Home > Porcelain > Yuan Dynasty

The Grand Scale of Yuan Dynasty Porcelain

One of the defining characteristics of Yuan Dynasty ceramics is their large scale. Many pieces, particularly those produced for export or for use in large public settings, were made in impressive sizes that were much larger than those of the preceding Song Dynasty. The larger pieces show a different approach to production and a change in aesthetic sensibility.

The Grand Scale of Yuan Dynasty Porcelain

Yuan vases, dishes, and jars often stand out for their imposing dimensions, sometimes reaching heights of several feet, and these larger pieces were created to make a statement, and were designed to catch the eye of patrons and collectors.

The Grand Scale of Yuan Dynasty Porcelain

The increased size of Yuan ceramics reflects both the technical advancements that were made during the period and the changing tastes and preferences of both domestic and international markets. The ability to create such large pieces is a testament to the skills of the Tang potters who created them.

The Grand Scale of Yuan Dynasty Porcelain

The use of bold, elaborate designs on large Yuan ceramics, such as scrolling floral patterns and dynamic representations of mythological creatures, emphasized the grandeur of the pieces. These massive pieces made a bold visual statement through their scale and their decoration.

The grand scale of Yuan ceramics is a testament to the technical skill and artistic vision of potters during this period and the changing artistic sensibilities that were prevalent at the time. These larger pieces were highly popular both within China and also in many international markets.


Tag : Yuan porcelain size, large Chinese ceramics, Yuan Dynasty art, massive pottery, scale in ceramics

Related information

  • The Kilns of Jingdezhen: The Epicenter of Yuan Dynasty Porcelain Production
  • This article focuses on Jingdezhen's role as the central porcelain production hub during the Yuan Dynasty. It explores its kiln organization, manufacturing processes, and enduring influence on ceramics.

  • The Challenges of Authenticating Yuan Dynasty Porcelain: A Collector's Guide
  • This article provides a guide for collectors on the challenges of authenticating Yuan Dynasty porcelain. It discusses key factors such as form, decoration, glaze, and the importance of provenance in ensuring authenticity.

  • The Materials Used in the Creation of Yuan Dynasty Porcelain
  • This article details the materials used in creating Yuan Dynasty porcelain, including kaolin clay, feldspar-based glazes, and imported cobalt, explaining how each contributed to the unique characteristics of the final pieces.

  • The Comparative Analysis of Yuan Dynasty Porcelain and Persian Ceramics
  • This article provides a comparative analysis of Yuan Dynasty porcelain and contemporary Persian ceramics, exploring the interconnections and mutual influences, such as the adoption of blue and white techniques in Persian ceramics and potential Persian influences on Yuan designs, revealing the complex cultural exchange between the two regions.

  • Yuan Ceramics and the Continuing Evolution of Porcelain
  • The Yuan Dynasty was a period of continued evolution in the development of porcelain, with potters making advancements in the use of materials, glaze formulations, and firing techniques. The Yuan period laid the groundwork for the eventual innovations of the Ming and Qing eras, and it shows the continued development of pottery traditions that had been developed over centuries in China.